The School of English, Drama and Film, University College Dublin, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2015 competition for the Maeve Binchy Travel Award. This award, sponsored by a generous donor, commemorates Maeve Binchy, her love of travel and her world-celebrated creative writing.  The Award, worth €4,000, is open to a student (undergraduate or postgraduate) currently enrolled in UCD’s College of Arts & Celtic Studies. The successful student will use the Award to fund a travel opportunity that will enhance her/his creative writing.

Application process

• Applicants are asked to submit a one-page document (strict maximum of one page), outlining the reason for applying for the Award and the project/activity that will be carried out if successful.
• Applicants may also submit a sample piece of original writing (maximum one page).
• Applicants are asked to submit a short curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
• Applications should be submitted to binchyucdtravelaward@ucd.ie by Friday 3^rd Apriland will be reviewed by a specially convened Selection Committee.
• Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview in late April/ early May.
• The announcement of the successful student will be made on 28th May, Maeve Binchy’s birthday.

Criteria:

• Applicants must at time of application be enrolled in a course in UCD College of Arts & Celtic Studies; the Award is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the College.
• Travel should take place no later than 31 December 2015.
• The successful applicant must provide a detailed written report subsequent to travel, outlining the main achievements and learning during her/his travel and examples of her/his creative writing influenced by the travel project/activity.
• Applicants must provide full receipts for all travel expenses.

Queries should be directed to Professor Margaret Kelleher, Chair of the Selection Committee, at binchyucdtravelaward@ucd.ie.